P R E S S R E L E A S EJuly 2, 2003, TORONTO, CANADA
Low-cost 9S12 Embeddable MCU Modules Double as Evaluation/Training Platforms
Technological Arts today launched two new MCU modules, broadening its highly
popular line of modular microcontroller boards.
Offering engineers and educators a versatile and economical platform
for evaluating and applying Motorola's latest HCS12 microcontroller offering,
Adapt9S12E128 and Adapt9S12EQ128 smooth the migration path from development
to product implementation/production. Because the same core module used in
the evaluation phase is economical enough to be incorporated into the end product,
time to market for commercial applications is shortened considerably.
Leveraging its popular HCS12 technology, Motorola has endowed the new
MC9S12E64/128 MCUs with a high-speed low-voltage core, up to 8K RAM, up to 128K
sector-erasable Flash, along with an impressive array of hardware subsystems--
all into low-cost surface- mount packages. The 9S12E128 boasts I2C, three
enhanced SCIs, SPI, 10-bit sixteen-channel analog-to-digital converter subsystem,
12 PWM channels (six with hardware fault protection), dual 8-bit DACs, triple
four-channel, 16-bit enhanced capture timer subsystem, and much more. The full
complement of subsystems provided, together with the powerful single-wire Background
Debug Mode (BDM), make this chip ideal for use in the evaluation and development
of all "E"-series derivatives of the 9S12 family.
Both the 80-pin and 112-pin MCU are implemented as Adapt9S12 modules, offered
as Adapt9S12EQ128 and Adapt9S12E128, respectively. Combining all the essential
MCU support circuitry with a small-footprint monitor/loader program in Flash,
these modules come ready-to-use "out of the box" with little added hardware required
in many applications. The on-board regulator is user-selectable for 3V or 5V
operation, and the basic board configuration includes dual RS232 transceivers.
The fully-populated configuration adds RS485 and IrDA physical layer transceivers,
as well as a buffer amp for the DAC channels. The user need add only application-
specific interface hardware and software to implement any given design.
Measuring 3.25" x 2.3" x 0.75", both modules provide access to virtually
all input/output lines via a pair of standard 0.1" pitch 50-pin connectors,
compatible with most application boards and accessories in the company's
established Adapt12/9S12 product families. Unlike most traditional evaluation
boards, the user prototyping area is implemented via separate, pluggable boards.
This approach results in maximum versatility and re-usability of the module,
permitting easy evaluation of alternative designs or user applications, followed
by effortless migration through prototyping to full production.
Several interchangeable plug-on modules are available, with more under
development. These include a low-cost hardware Demo Board, a 100Base-T ethernet
board, a RAM expansion card, and a servo/sensor interface card ideal for small
robot implementations.
To facilitate evaluation of the 9S12E128 MCU, several product bundles are
being offered. A Demo Package-- including MCU module, plug-on Demo Board, Prototyping
Card, Serial Cable, and DC power supply-- is available for US$119. Full Evaluation
Packages, with dual prototyping cards, serial cable, DC power supply, manual, and
CD-ROM are available for both the 80-pin and 112-pin versions of the MCU
(#AD9S12EQ128EVP and #AD9S12E128EVP, respectively) at US$139 each. A 30-day fully-
functional version of ImageCraft's ICC12 C cross-compiler with integrated development
environment for Windows is included. For OEMs, basic modules are offered without IrDA
and RS485 transceiver at US$54, and fully populated modules for US$68, in 100s.
Complete details can be found at http://www.technologicalarts.com.Technological Arts, founded in 1994, specializes in the design and manufacture
of modular evaluation/OEM products based on Motorola's 8- and 16-bit product families.
Enjoying a worldwide reputation among educational institutions, corporations, and
hobbyists alike for its innovative and affordable product offerings in the
microcontroller arena, Technological Arts offers the broadest range of product
configurations featuring 68HC11, 68HC12, and HC9S12.Contacts:
Editorial: Carl Barnes
carl@technologicalarts.ca (416) 963-8429Sales: Nigel Johnson
sales@technologicalarts.ca (416) 963-8996Technical: Exequiel Rarama
erarama@technologicalarts.ca (416) 963-8996toll-free: 1-877-963-8996 (USA & Canada)
Fax: (416) 963-9179
Website: www.technologicalarts.comADDITIONAL PRESS MATERIALS:
Product photos:
http://www.technologicalarts.ca/ad9s12e128x1.jpg
http://www.technologicalarts.ca/ad9s12e128evpx1.jpgWeb page:
http://www.technologicalarts.com/myfiles/ad9s12E128.html